The Best Hot Chocolate in New York City

After all, in bad weather, drinking hot chocolate is the only sensible thing to do

Cold weather is the perfect excuse to indulge in a delicious, sweet, and comforting mug of hot chocolate. Although sitting at home in flannel pajamas, curled on the sofa watching a great movie, with hot chocolate steaming gently in a nearby mug is a feeling that can rarely be beaten on a cold winter day, sometimes it pays to get out and about. Bundling up in a wooly sweater, wind-proof parka, scarf, hat and several pairs of socks (on those bitterly chilly days) can however be well worth the effort if you know where to go.

In New York City, the wider avenues often are transformed into wind tunnels that buffet pedestrians (which is most of the city’s residents) from one place to another. On the coldest days, when the wind is at its strongest, taking refuge in a warm restaurant, sheltered from the weather, with a cup of hot chocolate is a wonderful way to pass the time. Check out some of our favorite hot chocolate destinations below!

La Pecora Bianca (1133 Broadway & 950 2nd Ave.) — Nutella Hot Chocolate, $5This bright and cheery Italian eatery relies on the world famous hazelnut spread for their comforting hot chocolate. A generous dollop of Nutella, a spoonful of house-made chocolate sauce, and a splash of milk are all that go into this rich and comforting beverage.

The City Bakery (3 W. 18th St.) —Classic Hot Chocolate, $5 plus $2 for the marshmallowThe classic hot chocolate from The City Bakery comes with a delightful twist: Rather than mini-marshmallows, it comes with a single oversized marshmallow that will surely satisfy any sweet cravings you might have.

Kreuther Handcrafted Chocolate (43 W. 42nd St.) —Decadent Hot Chocolate, $6/$6.75The hot chocolate at this hidden gem near Bryant Park gets its decadence from not one but two kinds of chocolate (70 percent cocoa and 80 percent cocoa) as well as milk and glucose. Enjoy this extra-chocolatey drink with one of Kreuther’s hand-crafted chocolates for an afternoon of indulgence